Why is My Dog Suddenly a Picky Eater?

Most dogs will eat anything and everything without hesitation. When your dog suddenly becomes a picky eater, it can be concerning. There are a number of different reasons why your dog may suddenly become a picky eater and refuse to eat their normal food.

At Corrina’s Corner, we want to ensure that your dog is happy and healthy. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons your dog has suddenly become a fussy eater.

Check your Dog’s Overall Health

If your dog has always been an avid eater but now refuses to eat, you may want to check their overall health.

If your dog becomes picky with no previous signs of this behavior, a medical disorder could be the issue. For the next couple of days, observe your dog for abnormal behavior such as diarrhea, vomiting, low energy levels or loss of weight. If you notice any of these issues, take him or her to the veterinarian. Your vet can rule out some conditions such as kidney or liver problems, dental problems, or cancer.

Get Your Dog on a Good Feeding Schedule

Are you guilty of feeding your dog scraps from the dinner table or snacks all day long? By dinner time, your dog may not even be hungry! Not only does this behavior increase the risk of obesity, it can also encourage picky eating.

It’s important to limit the number of treats you are feeding your dog and put him or her on a proper eating schedule. Help your dog understand that no options exist. You can teach your dog this by setting out your dog’s food for 30 minutes. If he doesn’t eat it, take it away. Don’t give in to providing extra treats. He or she will eat when hungry.

Other Reasons your Dog Might be a Picky Eater

Aside from health ailments or feeding your dog too many treats, there are some other reasons your pup may not be interested in the food you lay out.

For example, you may not realize it, but stress takes a toll on a dog’s appetite. Perhaps you moved into a new home or brought home a newly adopted dog. Being out of their normal routine may explain your dog’s new eating habits.

Another explanation for your dog refusing to eat may be that the food is readily available at all times. If you leave out food 24/7, your finicky dog may have lost interest in eating. Think about it this way: would you be interested in French fries that were always available to you? Likely not. Feeding your dog at certain times can put him or her on a good schedule and make meal time more enjoyable.

Choosing a Raw Diet: Tasty, Healthy Food for Your Dog

In some cases, your dog may simply lose interest in his or her food because they don’t like the taste of it or they need to change food. Dogs prefer a variety of food available to them, and it can be important to change up the types of food you are feeding him or her.

By switching your dog to a raw diet, they will be rewarded with a wide range of benefits, including: